March 2026 Newsletter

"Spring Cleaning: Out with the Old, In with the Goal"

A Message from OCDA President, Website Chair, & Social Media Co-Chair, Kaleigh Mahon

Dear OCDA Members,

It’s so exciting that we are starting to see Spring approaching! Despite loving a cozy cardigan, I am definitely looking forward to some warmer temperatures and sunshine. As the season’s change approaches, I would guess that many of us are thinking about the concept of “Spring Cleaning.” For a majority of the world, this likely means deep cleaning our homes, removing physical clutter, and getting organized. I would like you, however, to consider how we could apply this through a different lens as career professionals.

Aligning with the OCDA annual Conference themes, I would like to start with how we can view “Spring Cleaning” through a career lens in application to ourselves. This could be physically as well as mentally. Take a moment to consider what would make you feel refreshed within your career over the next few months. Would you feel refreshed through taking days off work, engaging in self-care, or continuing to pursue continuing education that aligns with our interests within the career development field? Maybe all of the above? Would it be through removing clutter from your office or even adding something to your space that brings joy? I encourage you to reflect on this idea of viewing “Spring Cleaning” through a career lens and take time to either share your thoughts with a friend or family member, journal about them, or even join forces with some of your colleagues to see how this could come to life within your department.

Finally, I would encourage you to consider what you would like for your clients/students to get out of your “Spring Cleaning.” Would the outcome be that you can hold more space for the struggles and successes of those you serve? Is it so they feel more at ease when entering into an appointment that (for many) can be quite nerve-wracking or anxiety-provoking? Are you looking forward to your returning client/student to comment on how the vibe of the space/staff has shifted?

No matter what your “Spring Cleaning” looks like, I hope that you take action so that you can go into the next few months feeling refreshed on both a personal and professional level. If there is any way that OCDA can support you in this journey, please do not hesitate to let us know. I wish you all a wonderful rest of this month, and I look forward to connecting again in April and in-person at the OCDA Conference in May!

Take Care and Be Well,

Kaleigh Mahon
President, Ohio Career Development Association

Spring Reset: Reflect, Refresh, Renew

Clearing Space for Growth

Community Reflection

What would you like to bring with you this season? What do you want to leave behind? What's cluttering your mind the most right now?

Enjoy the activity below and reflecting on some of these questions.

Activity

Clearing Out Space is Intentional

Spring offers a natural moment to step back and take inventory—not just of our spaces, but of our work as career development professionals. It’s a chance to sort through what may no longer be serving us, revisit the tools and approaches we rely on, and consider what could use a refresh. Creating that kind of space allows for new perspectives, renewed focus, and more intentional support for the clients we serve.

As you reflect on where you’d like to grow, OCDA has many investments to support you including unique trainings, our upcoming conference, recognizing a colleague through an award which all provide meaningful opportunities to invest in your professional development, build new skills, and continue evolving in your practice.

We’re excited to clean out some clutter and share updates and opportunities waiting for you in this month’s newsletter.

OCDA Awards Deadline - EXTENDED!

Friday, March 20!

Every year, OCDA recognizes professionals in the field of career development! This year, OCDA is excited to announce nominations for FOUR different awards.

We have some amazing entries but are looking for more! If you have a colleague who you think is amazing please consider nominating them! OR! If you think you have had an outstanding season -- self-nominate!

We want to hear about all the powerful things our members are achieving. Please submit an entry today!

Visit www.ocdaonline.org/awards for more information or read the criteria below and the links to nominate!

Outstanding Graduate Student Award

Award Criteria

This award will be presented at the annual Ohio Career Development Association (OCDA) Conference in recognition of the exemplary contributions that graduate students are already making in the field.

Nominees must be a full-time graduate student in Ohio, and in the field of career counseling, student affairs, college/student personnel or a related discipline.

Nominees should demonstrate competency in at least 3 of the areas below:

• Academic Excellence: The nominee must have maintained a strong academic record throughout their graduate studies, demonstrating a commitment to scholarly achievement and intellectual growth.
• Career Preparation and Development: The nominee should showcase proactive engagement in activities that contribute to their professional growth, such as internships, research projects, workshops, or relevant extracurricular involvement.
• Leadership and Initiative: Demonstrated leadership qualities, innovation, and initiative in pursuing career-related opportunities, whether within academia, industry, or the community.
• Impact and Contributions: Evidence of tangible contributions or initiatives that have positively influenced their own career prospects or those of their peers, department, or academic institution.
• Professional Development Skills: Displaying proficiency in skills crucial for career advancement, including but not limited to networking, communication, adaptability, and problem-solving.

Award Benefits: The selected winner will receive a $100 honorarium, a commemorative award, and free registration to the OCDA Conference on May 28-29, 2026. This year's conference will be held in Lima, OH.

EXTENDED: THE DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS March 20, 2026

Career Innovator Award

Award Criteria

This award is presented at the annual Ohio Career Development Association (OCDA) Conference in recognition of a creative thinker in the career field.

The Career Innovator award will be presented to a professional with at least 2 years of experience in career development or related field who demonstrates innovation through specialized projects, initiatives, and/or contributions and has made an impact on the populations they serve.

Candidates should show competency in three of the areas below:

• Innovative Practices: Recognition for implementing innovative strategies, programs, or initiatives that have significantly impacted the field of career development.
• Sustained Impact: Evidence of a sustained and substantial impact on the careers and professional growth of individuals or groups over an extended period.
• Advocacy and Contribution: Contributions to the advancement of career development through advocacy, research, publications, or active involvement in professional associations and communities.
• Ethical and Inclusive Practices: Commitment to ethical practices and inclusivity, ensuring equal opportunities and advancement for individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities.

Award Benefits: The selected winner will receive a $100 honorarium, a commemorative gift, and free registration to the OCDA Conference on May 28-29, 2026. This year's conference will be held in Lima, OH.

EXTENDED: THE DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS March 20, 2026

Conference Themed Award: The Career Readiness Champion Award

Award Criteria

The conference-themed award is the newest addition to the slate of awards presented annually at the Ohio Career Development Association (OCDA) Conference. Each year's award is created in alignment with the theme of that year's Conference. The Career Readiness Champion Award recognizes an individual, team or organization who advances career readiness through engaging practice, intentional pathway design, and cross-sector collaboration. This award honors champions who help learners connect education, skills, and real-world opportunities while strengthening systems that promote access, equity, and successful career transition.

Nominees should demonstrate excellence in the following core areas:

1. Engaging Career Readiness in Practice: Implements creative, learner-centered approaches that actively engage individuals in career exploration, reflection, and transferable skill development. Brings career readiness to life through meaningful experiences that build confidence, agency, and clarity around career goals.
2. Building Equitable Pathways Through Partnership: Designs or strengthens inclusive career pathways that connect education, skills, and real-world opportunities while reducing barriers to access. Collaborates effectively with campus, employer, and community partners to align resources and support successful education-to-work transitions.
3. Demonstrating Impact and Sustained Influence: Shows clear evidence of impact on learners, programs, partnerships, or systems through outcomes, feedback, or participation. Demonstrates sustained commitment to scalable, long-term career readiness efforts that extend beyond a single initiative or event.

Award Benefits: The winner will receive a $100 honorarium, a commemorative gift, and free registration to the OCDA Conference on May 28-29, 2026. This year's conference will be held in Lima, OH.

EXTENDED: THE DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS March 20, 2026

The Bob Windle Leadership Award

Award Criteria

This award is presented at the annual Ohio Career Development Association (OCDA) Conference in recognition of a true leader in a career field. The award is named in honor of Bob Windle, who won the award in 2011, for his exceptional contributions to OCDA and to career counseling, exploration, transition, and resilience.

The Bob Windle Leadership Award recognizes practicing career counselors, consultants, or teachers for outstanding performance. Nominees must have at least eight (8) years of service in career development or a related field; demonstrated quality of service (such as innovative programs, recognition by local organizations, publications, awards, etc.); and service to professional association(s) at the local, state and/or national levels.

Nominees should show competency in three of the areas below:

• Leadership and Mentorship: The nominee should have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and served as an influential mentor or role model, guiding and inspiring others in their career paths.
• Professional Reputation and Influence: A strong reputation and influence within the field, demonstrated by awards, recognitions, or invitations to speak at conferences and events.
• Sustained Impact: Evidence of a sustained and substantial impact on the careers and professional growth of individuals or groups over an extended period.
• Advocacy and Contribution: Contributions to the advancement of career development through advocacy, research, publications, or active involvement in professional associations and communities.
• Collaboration and Networking: Engagement in collaborative efforts, fostering partnerships, and building networks that have enhanced career opportunities and advancement for others.
• Ethical and Inclusive Practices: Commitment to ethical practices and inclusivity, ensuring equal opportunities and advancement for individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities.

Award Benefits: The selected winner will receive a $100 honorarium, a commemorative award, and free registration to the OCDA Conference on May 28-29, 2026. This year's conference will be held in Lima, OH.

EXTENDED: THE DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS March 20, 2026

Spring 2026 Conference Registration is OPEN!

Dates: Thursday, May 28th and Friday, May 29th 2026

Location: Lima, Ohio

Get the best price on registration for the conference by registering today! You can register for the 2026 OCDA Conference by following THIS LINK.

Spotlight Lima Spot

Moorice - A 25-foot wooden cow sculpture at the Allen County Fairgrounds (5-10 minute drive from the Civic Center)

Upcoming Events

Thank you for being one of our members! As a member, you receive many benefits, including access to Professional Growth and Networking Opportunities:

• Continuing education credits (CEUs)
• Discounts on trainings (Free-$5)
• Meet other professionals through attending events

Bring on the warmth and awesome professional development opportunity virtually in June!

OCDA and MichCDA are partnering to offer an amazing training -- perfect timing after the excitement from the conference.

Sign up now and reserve your spot!

Register Here

Government Relations Updates

Pulse on Ohio

Advocacy Update: NCDA Statement on Proposed Regulations

The National Career Development Association (NCDA) has recently issued a public comment and press release regarding proposed regulations that may impact professionals in our field who hold counselor licensure. These developments could have important implications for scope of practice and professional identity within career development. We encourage members to review NCDA’s statement and stay informed as conversations continue to evolve. Remaining engaged in advocacy efforts helps ensure our work—and those we serve—are thoughtfully represented.

Sincerely,

Sarah JanTausch & Newton Kimberly
Co-Chairs, OCDA Government Relations Committee

Ohio Career Development Association - Advocacy

Featured Career Resource:

LearnFree.org!

Looking to build new skills without breaking the bank? LearnFree.org -- powered by the Goodwill Community Foundation -- is a completely free online learning platform perfect for students and clients who want to upskill at their own pace. With over 200 topics, 2,300+ lessons, and 2,000+ videos, the site covers everything from Microsoft Office and computer basics to job readiness, math, reading, and even entrepreneurship.

Students and clients can create a free account to track their progress, earn completion certificates, and build a learning history they can reference for job applications. Feel free to share this resource with anyone looking to strengthen their skills and boost their confidence in the job market!

Click Here Learn More!

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

YouScience

OCDA's 2025 Conference Gold Level Sponsor

Empower Ohio's future with data-driven career discovery

YouScience helps fulfill OCDA's mission by aligning student talents with meaningful, in-demand career pathways. Together, we empower lifelong career development through data-driven guidance and purpose-driven decisions.

Contact ohiocda@gmail.com if you or your organization would like to help sponsor the 2026 conference!

If you have any ideas for membership email content, please email Co-Chairs Ryana Munford at munford.2@osu.edu & Taylor Lincicome at tslocum924@gmail.com.